Growth Performance of Joloano Strain of Native Chickens Given Ground Yellow Corn (Zea mays), Rice (Oryza sativa) Middlings and Golden Kuhol (Pomacea canaliculata) Meal

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the effect of ground yellow corn, rice middlings and golden kuhol on the growth performance of Joloano strain of native chickens. Specifically, it aimed to determine the body gain in weight, feed intake and feed efficiency of the Joloano native chickens, determine feed cost to produce a kilogram gain in weight and to determine the morbidity and mortality of the native chickens given the experimental diets. This study was conducted at the BSU Experimental Area, Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet from February to May 2016. Forty day-old Joloano native chickens were used in the study. The birds were distributed at 26 days of age using the completely randomized design (CRD) into two treatments which are T1 – ground yellow corn + golden kuhol meal and T2 – rice middling + golden kuhol meal. Data gathered were analyzed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were compared using the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Statistical analysis showed that there are no significant differences in the initial weight of the Joloano native chicken, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. However, there were significant differences on the final weight and gains in weight of the Joloano native chickens after 56 days of feeding trial. The birds had an average initial weight of 111.9g at 26 days of age and had an average final weight of 186.3g. The birds had a mean total feed consumption of 672.7g per head (12.01g/day). The birds had a mean feed conversion ratio of 8.8257 and a mean Php 159.76 feed cost to produce a kilogram gain in weight. Based on the result, the birds given ground yellow corn + golden kuhol meal had a higher daily gain in weight of 1.6g compared to the birds fed rice middling + golden kuhol meal with a daily gain in weight of 1.0g. The poor growth of native chickens in the study is generally attributed to the low feed intake of the birds. Apparently, this is because of the low palatability of the rations. Based from the results and observation from this study, ground yellow corn + golden kuhol meal is recommended. However, it is recommended that golden kuhol should be given without the shell since it was observed to be unpalatable to the native chicken.